After thorough review of the candidates’ APS candidate surveys, we chose to endorse the following candidates. We believe that the following Education Champions will bring necessary change to Albuquerque Public Schools to ensure that every child has access to an education that prepares them to be the future leaders our city and state need. They have demonstrated through their responses that they are committed to improving student outcomes in New Mexico’s largest school district.
EDUCATION CHAMPIONS
DANIELLE GONZALES
DISTRICT 3 – Alameda, Corrales, North Valley, Downtown
Danielle was elected to the APS Board of Education in 2021 and now serves as Board President, leading bold efforts to improve outcomes for students across the district. A proud graduate of Albuquerque Public Schools, she has spent her career working to advance equity and opportunity in education—beginning as a fourth-grade teacher and growing into roles as a policy expert, advocate, and nonprofit leader.
Danielle holds degrees from The George Washington University and the University of Notre Dame, and serves on the National Assessment Governing Board as well as several nonprofit boards. She lives in Albuquerque’s North Valley with her husband, their three children, and her niece.
JOSHUA MARTINEZ
DISTRICT 5 – Westside: West of the Rio Grande from St. Pius to West Mesa High School
Joshua Martinez is a proud father of three and dedicated public servant running to bring fresh leadership to the APS Board of Education in District 5. He currently serves as the New Mexico Health Equity and Community Impact Director for the American Diabetes Association, leading statewide efforts to support families and strengthen community well being. A lifelong New Mexican, Joshua holds degrees in Community Health and Public Administration from the University of New Mexico.
Rooted in a family of public educators and deeply involved in his children’s school community at Tres Volcanes, Joshua brings both personal and professional experience to his advocacy for students. He also serves in multiple community leadership roles, including President of the Petroglyph’s HOA and Tres Volcanes Neighborhood Association. Joshua is running because he believes in the promise of public education—and the responsibility to deliver better outcomes for all students.
DAVID AMS
DISTRICT 6 – Uptown, Heights, Four Hills, East Mountains
David Ams is a father, PTA president, and accomplished scientist running for the Albuquerque School Board to ensure every student has access to a high-quality education. Raised in a working-class family, David understands the transformative power of public schools—his own path from student to PhD chemist was made possible by the support of great teachers and mentors.
Now a professional at one of our National Labs, David combines a scientist’s problem-solving mindset with a parent’s deep commitment to improving schools. He advocates for timely support for struggling students, rigorous and culturally relevant instruction, and strong professional development for educators. David lives in Northeast Albuquerque with his wife, Bridget, and their two daughters, and currently serves as PTA president at their elementary school.
COURTNEY JACKSON
DISTRICT 7 – Northeast Heights, Vista Del Norte
Courtney was elected to the APS Board of Education in 2021 and now serves as Board Vice President. A proud New Mexican and graduate of La Cueva High School, UNM, and the UNM School of Law, Courtney brings a strong background in law, business, and education to her leadership. She has focused her first term on improving student outcomes, increasing community engagement, and promoting transparency across the district.
In addition to her role on the board, Courtney has a long history of civic involvement, including leadership in the Junior League of Albuquerque, the APS Education Foundation, and as a PTA president and Girl Scouts troop leader. She is deeply committed to data-driven decision-making, high expectations, and ensuring every student has the support they need to thrive—especially her two school-aged daughters and their peers across APS.